481To Thomas Jefferson from John Barnes, 27 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have sent to the B. at W. for the Cashiers draft in favr. of D. Gelston Esqr: on B. B. NYork for $55.62 and shall write him of the Wines safe arrival—the depy: Collector of Alexa also advises of their being forwarded to Washingn. have wrote him for his a/c of expences, by Mr Dougherty you will $25 in 5 dolr notes, I am most Respectfully Sir Your Obed H St RC ( MHi ); at foot of text: “The...
482To Thomas Jefferson from David Campbell, 27 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The acquisition of Louisiana will be of great and lasting importance to the United States. In its magnitude it approaches to a second Declaration of Independance. We may now form, on the surest foundations, a general System of politics, on principles and rules, which the circumstances of different conjunctures may appropriate to the eternal advantage of the Western Country, and consequently of...
483To Thomas Jefferson from Elbridge Gerry, 27 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The message, which You did me the honor to transmit, I have read with great pleasure. it exhibits to my mind, respectful, friendly, firm, & vigilant conduct towards foreign powers—acquisitions of territory, by purchase & cession, inestimable, as they respect the wealth, security, & happiness of our western sister states, the fiscal resources of the nation, and the excision of a fertile source...
484To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Mann Randolph, 27 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Rawlings who hands you this having a desire to render service to the U.S. upon the Mississippi in some civil capacity has applied to me among others to certify to the proper authority what we know of his fitness and pretentions to be so employed. So long an interval has happened in my acquaintance & intercourse with Mr Rawlings that it is not proper for me to pronounce as decisively with...
485To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
About 20 minutes since, I received a Letter from my friend Docter Sibley, enclosing me a Map of the Country West of the Mississippi, which I hasten to forward to you:—The Doctor’s Letter contains much useful Information, & therefore I have taken the liberty to transmit it for your perusal & must beg you to receive it in confidence.— The Northern Mail is now closing, and the Post-Master allows...
486To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Digges, 28 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The Bearer is Mr Wm Byrne an ornamental stucco worker & Plasterer whose good Conduct, sobriety, and rectitude I think I can answer for, having known Him as a respectable Tradesman in Ireland as well as in the City. If you have not engagd one for Monticello, I make no doubt but He will ansr. your purpose and be full as reasonable in Charges, & perhaps moreso, than others of His trade...
487To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 28 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have conversed with most of the Western members of Congress respecting the possibility of raising volunteers to assist the force already prepared for occupying New Orleans; I think that I have seen thirteen out of the seventeen who compose the delegation of the three western States ; and I believe that they have all conferred on the subject. Not only do they Appear to be strongly impressed...
488From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 29 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very much pleased to find that the Choctaws agree to sell us their country on the Missisipi, and think we ought to accept it to any extent they will agree to, only taking care the price be not too high. they are poor; and will probably sell beyond what will pay their debts, so as to be entitled to an annual pension, which is one of the best holds we can have on them. their strength & the...
489From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 29 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I must ask the favor of you to meet the heads of departments here tomorrow at 12. aclock & afterwards to dine with us. the object is to decide definitively on the arrangements which are to be dispatched Westwardly the next day. Genl. Dearborne & myself had concluded to submit to the meeting a plan little different from that suggested in your letter of yesterday. towit. to send orders to...
490To Thomas Jefferson from William Henry Harrison, 29 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
In the month of May last I received the letter you did me the honour to write by Mr. Parke and at that time I also received from the Department of State a renewal of my Commission as Governor of the Indiana Territory For this mark of your Confidence permit me to make you my most grateful acknowledgements—It has indeed ever been & shall Continue to be my Chief Aim to Conduct the Administration...
491To Thomas Jefferson from John Langdon, 29 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
You’ll please accept my Acknowledgements for the Message, and permit me in the most sincere manner to Congratulate you on the unparalled prosperity and Happiness of the United States, which surpasses any thing that has ever been seen or heard of, under any other government on earth. You Sr. can much better concieve then I can possably describe the feelings of all true friends to our Country on...
492From Thomas Jefferson to Levi Lincoln, 29 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson asks the favor of the Attorney General to meet the heads of departments here tomorrow at 12. aclock & to dine with him on the same day. RC ( MWA ); addressed: “Levi Lincoln esq. Atty Genl US”; Lincoln later wrote notes relating to land sales and payments on verso.
493To Thomas Jefferson from William Marshall, 29 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor of presenting you, with an accurate Chart of the Coast of West Florida and Louisiana, including a survey and soundings of the Mississippi river, extending, considerably above New Orleans. It was sent to me, a few days ago, by a gentleman who married the widow of Mr. Gauld, by whom the Chart, was made. I hasten to send It to you, as, If there be none such in possession of...
494To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 29 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Rawlins the Gentn. who will deliver you this letter, is anxious to obtain an appointment in the Custom house at New Orleans. This Gentn. formerly lived in Virginia in a mercantile house engaged in extensive business, I have not had such an acquaintance with Mr. Rawlins as woud justify me in asking an office for him, I can only speak of him, as to his having been regularly brought up to the...
495From Thomas Jefferson to Louis André Pichon, 29 October 1803 [document added in digital edition] (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Pichon. he meant to be understood the other evening as asking the favor of him to dine here to-day with messrs Soult & Delile. he did not know till the last night that mr Pichon did not so understand him. he hopes, if he has no engagement, he will do him the favor of dining here to-day at half after three. RC (University Archives, Westport,...
496To Thomas Jefferson from Mary Hazard, 30 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Je vois bien, que vous n’avez pas envie d’entre en correspondence avec moi, mais, je vous dis, que je ne cesserai pas de vous ecrire, jusque les temps que je serai repondue. Vous pensez, peutetre, que je suis homme, qui n’ecrivet que pour s’en faire quelquechose de plaisenterie, mais, en verité, ce n’est pas ausi; je suis femme; et pauvre femme; et si vous ne le croyez pas, venez et voir; et...
497Notes on Preparations to Occupy Louisiana, 30 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Ord. to Claib. & Wilk. write to Laussat & Clarke force or no force. 1. if no force proceed with regulars , & militia at their discretion. treat inhabitants & officers particularly with courtesy take nothing without paying arrange with Laussat manner of delivery. issue proclamation suffer the Govr. &c. to remain in his house get orders from Laussat &c. for delivery of all the posts . take...
498To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Jefferson Randolph, 30 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I was at Monticello yesterday and Mr. Dinsmore had almost finished the cornice in the hall and was to set off for Philadelphia to day. they have almost done the canal and the mill house also. I have read Goldsmith’s grecian history Thucidides & I am now reading Goldsmith’s Roman hitory. give my love to Papa and uncle Eppes. adieu Grand Papa your most afectionate Grand son RC (Mrs. Edwin Page...
499To Thomas Jefferson from Horatio G. Spafford, 30 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
A plain man, wishes to lay before you in a plain way, some observations. He chooses to offer to you, Sir, from the consideration of respect which is due to the rank you enjoy, & the fame of your Philosophy. I am also proud of the sentiment, that a respectful duty to the first man of our nation, prompts me to offer to your patronage, an invention, which I am led to believe may be of general...
500To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Tew, 30 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
you will Please to Excuse my Boldness in Addressing you on this Ocasion but by being Assured of the goodness of your hart I am Imbolden to Address you on a Subgect that Much Consarnes me I find a Law was passed the Last Session of Congress that any Person haveing a Clame for Lands are to put in their Clames Some Whare and at a Certain time not Only the Clames they may have on this Goverment...
501To Thomas Jefferson from Philippe Reibelt, 31 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Tout près de l’abime de la misére—dans un paÿs etranger—sans autre recomandation, qu’a Vous—J’ose iterativement implorer Votre protection, de quelque manière, qu’il Vous plaira, de me l’accorder: Ou par la place de maitre de poste, de Chef du bureau de la Vente de terres, ou autre a la Nouvelle Orleans, ou par la recomandation a un grand Proprietaire, au quel je pourrois je pourrois etre util...
502From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate, 31 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I now lay before you the treaty mentioned in my general message at the opening of the session, as having been concluded with the Kaskaskia Indians, for the transfer of their country to us, under certain reservations & conditions. Progress having been made in the demarcation of Indian boundaries, I am now able to communicate to you a Treaty with the Delawares, Shawanese, Poutewatamies, Miamis,...
503From Thomas Jefferson to Madame de Tessé, 31 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
In my letter of Jan. 30. I informed you that the person whom I had employed in this neighborhood had provided such seeds of the list therein stated to you, as the lateness of the season had permitted. I had the mortification to see them remain here till summer without any opportunity occurring to forward them. our only commercial port is Alexandria, five miles distant. by casting your eye on a...
504From Thomas Jefferson to Madame de Corny, 1 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two favors, my dear friend, of Feb. 15. & June 15. have been duly recieved. the latter was forwarded to me by mr Ledet, who remained himself in London, & whom I should have recieved with great pleasure on your recommendation, had he come here. I learn with joy from yourself that you have good hopes of improvement in your health. my prayers for it are sincere, as the recollections of your...
505To Thomas Jefferson from James Doughty, Jr., 1 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
With all diffidence do I approach the Chief Magistrate of my country; sensible that in averting his attention, but for a moment, from the interest He takes in the general welfare; I set by far too high an estimate on my own particular concerns. But, altho’ under these impressions, I make bold, Knowing the affability of Your Excellency, simply to prefer my suit, and leave the result to your...
506From Thomas Jefferson to Pierre Samuel Du Pont de Nemours, 1 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favors of Apr. 6. & June 27. were duly recieved, & with the welcome which every thing brings from you. the treaty which has so happily sealed the friendship of our two countries has been recieved here with general acclamation. some inflexible federalists have still ventured to brave the public opinion. it will fix their character with the world & with posterity, who not descending to the...
507To Thomas Jefferson from Christopher Ellery, 1 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
C. Ellery has the honor to offer his highest respects to the President, and to request his permission to present a little pamphlet, on a subject to be brought before Congress, extremely interesting to the merchants of R. Island, and worthy of attention in a political point of view— RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received 1 Nov. and so recorded in SJL . Enclosure: William Hunter, Observations on...
508To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 1 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The pressure of business & interruption prevents my doing justice to the subject of Louisiana . I have returned his to Mr Wagner; Mr Madison will correct it, that part which relates to revenue & expenditures excepted which I will revise— Respectfully Your obt. Servt RC ( DLC ); undated; addressed: “The President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Treasury Department...
509To Thomas Jefferson from Jesse Hawley, 2 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
An obscure Citizen, young in age, in experience, who conceits he possesses a small share of observation & of feeling for the civil & political interests of his Country, so far presumes on your wisdom as to take the liberty of suggesting some ideas which occurred to him on the perusal of your Excellency’s late message to Congress, which has just came to hand— The previous possession of large...
510To Thomas Jefferson from Jean Baptiste Say, 2 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Daignez recevoir l’hommage que je vous fais de mon Traité d’Economie politique, comme une marque de la haute considération que j’ai pour vos qualités personnelles et pour les principes que vous professez. Puissiez-vous y reconnaître quelques traces de cet amour eclairé de l’humanité et de la liberté qui vous rend si recommandable aux yeux des hommes qui pensent bien. Le bonheur dont jouit...
511From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 3 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Dinsmore is arrived here from Monticello on his way to see his brother at Baltimore, and asks for 40. Dollars in Philadelphia bills if to be had, which I must pray you to accomodate him with. he will call on you to-day. affectionate salutations. RC ( MHi ); endorsed by Barnes: “Mr Dinsmore 3d Nov 1803 $40.” Not recorded in SJL . TJ noted in his financial records that on this day he gave...
512To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Darneille, 3 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
A knowledge of your patriotism and zeal manifested on many occasions; and the great and important services you have rendered to your Country, in the long course of your public services, in supporting with manly firmness, measures calculated to promote the welfare of the Republic, as well as in opposing, in the same manner, measures tending in their consequences to tyranny oppression and...
513From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 3 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson asks the favor of mr Gallatin, on his arrival at his office, to call & accompany him to the Secretary of State’s office, where a matter of moment & urgency is to be considered. RC ( NHi : Gallatin Papers); addressed: “Mr. Gallatin.” Not recorded in SJL . matter of moment & urgency : on this day the State Department learned that on 17 Aug. a Moroccan cruiser had captured the brig...
514To Thomas Jefferson from “The Unfortunate Debtors in Washington County Goal”, 3 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
This Address is made to You as the common Father of Us all—the Unfortunate claim I am sensible in your bosom an equality of protection with the fortunate— We know not immediately the propriety of what We are doing, Whether our Application should come to the Head of the Executive or to some other branch of Authority— We shall subscribe Ourselves the unfortunate Debtors in Washington County Goal...
515To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Yznardi, Sr., 3 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mi mas venerado Señor: desde mi llegada á esta hé cumplido como devy dandole cuenta de la gratitud de mi reconocimiento a sus distinciones y parece hé tenido la desgracia de que no hayan llegado a sus manos segun el contenido de su ultima apreciable. Bajo fha 22. del Corriente hallará V.E. mi carta remitiendole la Bota de Vino que há costado á mi ver mui caro, sin embargo de ser su calidad...
516To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 4 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose the proposals for leasing the salt springs together with some observations of Messrs. Breckenridge & Worthington. Will it be proper to authorize Govr. Harrison to make a contract with Mr Bell on his giving proper security at 66⅔/100 or, if he shall think that Bell cannot be depended upon, with any of the other persons (Beiler excepted) on the same terms? For fear that the whole plan...
517To Thomas Jefferson from James Garrard, 4 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have taken the liberty to address you on a subject, in which I feel no Other interest, than what is connected with a wish to see real merit rewarded. Report, and your last message to congress, induces a belief, that one, or more governments, will be erected this Session of Congress in the western & southern countries. Should that be the case, I will take the liberty to recommend to your...
518From Thomas Jefferson to Lafayette, 4 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved several letters from you, my dear friend, since I last wrote to you. that by mr Foncin is delivered this morning. you know my situation too well not to be sensible that I cannot be a punctual correspondent, and you will ascribe the rarity of my letters to it’s probable cause, & not to the impossible one of a want of friendship for you. in the affair of your lands be assured we...
519From Thomas Jefferson to Robert R. Livingston, 4 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
A report reaches us this day from Baltimore (on probable, but not certain grounds) that Mr. Jerome Bonaparte, brother of the first Consul, was yesterday married to miss Patterson of that city.* *Nov. 8. It is now said that it did not take place on the 3d. but will this day. the effect of this measure on the mind of the first Consul, is not for me to suppose: but as it might occur to him, primâ...
520To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Munroe, 4 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
T. Munroe presents his most respectful Compliments to the President.—Drafts of the Surveyor of the public buildings for freestone & workmanship, & for foundation stone to the Amt. of between two & three thousand Dollars having been presented today & TM not having so much money in his hands has the Honor of inclosing a requisition for the Presidents signature if approved. RC ( DLC ); partially...
521To Thomas Jefferson from Simon Nathan, 4 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Having had the Honor of your personal acquaintance during our Revolution in 1777. 1778. & 1779. at the time you presided as chief Magistrate for the State of Virginia, you no doubt Sir, will recollect that I was not inactive in rendering the assistance to Government at that time in my power, which the minutes of the then presiding Council will shew.—that I gave also my Services with money, and...
522To Thomas Jefferson from Beriah Palmer, Thomas Sammons, and David Thomas, with Jefferson’s Query, 4 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Although three Commissioners of Bankruptcy has been heretofore appointed in the city of Albany, state of New York; only one of those acts in that capacity, the others haveing accepted appointments under the state government incompatible with the duties of this office—Permit us therefore to recommend Sebastian Visscher and Elisha Dorr as suitable persons to fill these vacancies— As we reside in...
523From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 4 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
By the copy, now communicated, of a letter from Capt Bainbridge, of the Philadelphia frigate, to our consul at Gibraltar , you will learn that an act of hostility has been committed, on a merchant vessel of the United States, by an armed ship of the Emperor of Morocco. This conduct on the part of that power is without cause, and without explanation. It is fortunate that Capt Bainbridge fell in...
524From Thomas Jefferson to Aaron Vail, 4 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The schooner Citizen, capt Lawson, being employed by our government to carry some gun carriages to the Emperor of Marocco, and to touch at Lorient, in going, in order to deliver there the ratification of our late treaty with France, I take the benefit of your cover for a letter to mr Livingston, our Minister Plenipotentiary, accompanied by a small box of about 8. or 9. inches cube addressed to...
525From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 5 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Bell being the lowest bidder for the saltsprings has on that ground the first claim for preference. his character moreover, & the moderation of his views recommend him: but there seems just reason to apprehend he is too moderate, and that he has erred against himself in his calculations, being perhaps too sanguine. it is never the interest of a landlord to break his tenant. in this case it...
526To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 5 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The Louisiana documents did not come from Mr. Gallatin till a day or two ago. I have this morning delivered 38 revised pages, which will go to the press, a few of which have been some time in the types. There will be abt. ⅓ or ½ as many more. No time will be lost. The bulk of the work will apologize to the House for the delay RC ( DLC ); undated; address clipped: “The Presid”; endorsed by TJ...
527To Thomas Jefferson from Jared Mansfield, 5 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeably to instructions received from the Secretary of the Treasury, I set out from New Haven About the end of September & arrived in this place the 26th ultimo. Some troubles & inconveniences experienced on my journey, have prevented me from addressing you on a subject which I intended should have been understood previous to my entering on the duties of Surveyor General. It was my intention...
528From Thomas Jefferson to Jones & Howell, 6 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Be pleased to send two tons of nailrod assorted from 6 d. to 20 d. sizes to Richmond addressed to messrs. Gibson & Jefferson for me, & with as little delay as possible. the suspension of intercourse by the fever has occasioned my nailery to be nearly out & it will be quite so before this supply arrives. mr Barnes will remit you immediately 45 D. 81 c the amount of the last bill now due. Accept...
529From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 6 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of Oct. 25. from Prestwood came to my hands last night. it is the first knolege of your motions I have had since you set out for Kentucky: and having long expected you were on the road back, I knew not how to write to you. this has been the cause of my keeping a letter recieved for you from France a considerable time ago: & I do not send it now lest you should have left Richmond, where...
530To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph H. Nicholson, 7 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the Honor to enclose you a Letter from Major Thomas Smyth; requesting that he be named to you, as an Applicant for Office in Louisiana—Knowing the number of Applications which are now before the Executive for Office in this Country, I would not have added another to the List, but under an Impression of Duty—I beg Leave to add that this Gentleman is a Man of Business, with a good...